This isn't a Racing/DE question - but it does pertain to performance.

In the early days of PCA - the clubs use to get together and discuss the cars they loved, what they did with them, who maintained them, etc.

I know a few boards that added to their bylaws that an employee of a Porsche dealership could not be elected to the board.

So I am writing this here, because most of you maintain your track cars with independent help.

What would you think if a region decides that it will accept advertising dollars from outside suppliers -- but only if they do not conflict with the local dealership? (And no definition as to what a conflict may be.)

Looking forward to your answers. As you know by now, I have my own opinion - but I always look for the other side of the situation.

Thank you in advance.

 

It's very common. Don't know why it would even be a question.

ps: assume you mean "accept", not "except".

 

Since dealers are often a regions largest advertisers / sponsors, and since dealers usually offer a PCA discount, I think it's a perfectly understandable policy. That's not to say that the club officers should act as shills for the dealer.

 

Dave

Which do you find is common - Dealership taking control of the club // or asking that employees of dealerships not be elected officials?

Say goodnight Grace?

P.S. What about the PCA members who own/operate/work at independent shops? Shouldn't they be allowed to advertise to PCA members as well?

 

Sorry I wasn't clear. It is not uncommon for a region to accept advertising dollars (eg, for running an ad in the monthly newsletter) from an independent shop. If that is what you were asking.

 

I think that's a crock. Exclusionary practices are unfair, plain and simple. PCA is not owned by Porsche.

 

That's more like it - thank you Adrienne

That's it...Opinions wanted - not practices …

P.S. Dave - to clear up what I'm asking -
Do you think it is fair for the club to decide not to take in an ad because they feel it is in conflict with the local dealership?

 

I'll give you an answer from an advertising standpoint (I work in print advertising). If the dealership has an exclusive deal with your region's newsletter to be the only advertiser in its category (be it car and parts sales, or maintenance and repairs), then you can tell indy shops that they can't advertise because you already have an exclusive deal. And if that's the case, I sure hope you HOSED the dealership for A LOT of money to make sure you're not forfeiting potential profits. Otherwise if I were you, I'd try to get as much ad $$$ as possible from as many sources as possible to make your newsletter and PCA chapter better.

My opinion is that the more, and different, advertisers, the better. You and the members of your chapter can only benefit from the competition. Market economy.

 

In the media world, to be an exclusive advertiser for the category, you have to pay for the privilege.

I belong to two regions. Both accept advertising from multiple PCNA dealerships, as well as independent shops.

Each region should always act in the region membership's best interest.

If exclusivity has been granted, ask the editor why?

At the very least, I'd write an article for the regions newsletter/magazine about all the parts and service options available to local Porsche owners. If the editor refuses a valuable informational article like that, I'd bring it up at the next open board meeting.

 

we have multiple dealers and local shops and vendors all at the same events all the time, the more the merrier (for us)

 

Another point I'd like to make... PCA is a non-profit organization. By definition, its goal is to provide the best experience for its members. If I were you and had the time, I'd do some demographic research on who exactly your members are and what they would like to read about in your newsletter. Are they mostly owners of newer cars under warranty, or older cars? Where do those people take their cars to be serviced (dealer, indy, at home)? Where do they get their parts, etc? You can get a lot of that information even without conducting a formal study. All PCA members are required to submit information on their car upon registration. Chances are that the majority of members with newer cars will use the dealer, while the majority of members with older cars will use an indy shop or do their own wrenching. This will give you an idea of what your audience is like and what advertisers you can concentrate on hunting. Do you see the point I'm trying to make?

 

Our PCA newsletter has ads for the dealer and many local shops. One thing we try to do is expose PCA member to multiple shops including our dealer. We let word of mounth and each member decide if a certain shop is right for them. Remember also that for us most shops have certain specialites that make the preferred for certain type of cars, ages of cars, etc. Sure they all support Porsche's, but they are not all the same.

 

My old region had one of the best known Porsche dealerships, and the region still had ads from local shops, just not next to the dealership's full page ad. Of course I had only been a PCA member for over 20 years, most of which on the BOD

 

PCA is a completely seperate legal entity from Porsche of North America or the Porsche Corporation. Porsche does not allow the PCA to use its log or images of its cars in any PCA logo, patch or whatever. As has been previously stated, unless the Porsche dealership has signed a contract with the PCA chapter to be the sole sponsor of the newsletter or event (which most won't/don't do) then its a free enterprise situation and the advertising should be open to anyone.

 

For our Region, we accept advertising from many PCNA Dealers, as well as many independent hi-line used car dealers. We also have many independent service facilities who are large advertisers. Our advertisers often have sponsor's booths at our events, and they are all eligible to do so.

My opinion? PCA is a Club with members who should have equal rights of membership, including advertising in Club Mags, both the local Region type and Panorama. The owners and some employees of the PCNA Dealers, Independent Dealers and Independent service Shops are members too.